Sports

Three-Point Stance: Eastern Has Something To Prove

Editor’s Note: Three-Point Stance is Gridiron Glory’s written preview series leading up to its 15th season on WOUB. Gridiron is visiting training camps for all 32 teams in the coverage area as they prepare for the 2013 football season. The series continues in the TVC-Hocking, where eight teams look to dethrone a defending state champ.

Eastern shook things up in the TVC-Hocking in 2012, fielding a 6-4 football team that looked good against the bottom half of the league but struggled mightily against Wahama and Trimble. Under new head coach Doug Bresciani, the race to the playoffs is on for an Eastern Eagles football team that fell short last season. The Eagles are ready to join the giants at the top of the conference.

Cook will occupy the backfield with another Scowden this year in Zach Scowden, Eastern’s senior running back. “(I’m) rying to keep up my brother’s work last year,” Scowden said about rising to the challenge offensively. The Eagles lost a good bit of seniors last year for the offense but don’t believe that will stop them for completing their goals this year with a new-formed offense.

2. Strong Up Front

Even with the new schemes that come with a coaching change, the Eagles’ defense still brings a lot of experience to the field. With many seniors, the front four is the anchor to the defense. One of those seniors, Zach Bixby, brings leadership to the field by making sure that everyone is ready for the next play.

3. Playing With the Big Boys

Last season Eastern’s success depended largely on the strength of its opponent. The Eagles gave up an average of 12.5 points per game in wins and were 5-0 when holding opponents to 20 points or less. In games against the league’s bottom four teams – Miller, Waterford, South Gallia and Belpre – Eastern averaged 49 points per contest.

However, the same team was outscored 86-7 in two losses to Trimble and Wahama. A 39-0 loss to the Tomcats in Week 7 severely damaged its playoff chances. This season, Eastern must control the ball and buckle down against better teams to give itself a chance at the conference crown and the playoffs.

The Eagles kick off their new season against non-conference opponent Symmes Valley on Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Avery T. Jennings contributed to this report.

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